Preliminary Program

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Registration

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Advocacy Amidst Upheaval

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

The new 119^th Congress represents a sea change in Washington, with Republican control over both chambers of Congress and the White House. This session is designed to give campus leaders an overview of the major higher education issues on the agenda of Congress and the Administration, followed by “hot topic” sessions delving further into specific policy issues.

SPEAKERS:

Jody Feder, J.D., Director of Accountability and Regulatory Affairs, NAICU

Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU

Karin L. Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU

Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU

Suzanne Stokes Vieth, Director of State Relations and Outreach, NAICU

Hot Topic Concurrent Sessions

3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Dive into greater detail on policies that could impact your campus by choosing two mini-sessions. Conversations will include policy or campus experts and members of the NAICU Government Relations Team. 

(Choose one session in each time block)

Hot Topics Session I

3:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Challenges for International Students Studying at U.S. Colleges and Universities

The new administration in Washington promised changes to the nation’s immigration policies.  Will new policies affecting U.S. borders pose problems for international students wanting to study at U.S. colleges and universities? Will there be additional policies resulting from the war in Gaza and protests on U.S. colleges campuses that will affect international students? What are colleges doing to prepare for uncertain potential complications for retaining and growing their international student populations?

SPEAKERS:

Karin Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU

Dianne Miller, Senior Director, Federal Relations, Cornell University (NY)

Communicating the High-Stakes Financial Impact of Risk Sharing to Congress

Explore the College Cost Reduction Act’s risk-sharing proposals, their financial impact on independent colleges and universities, and how to effectively convey these challenges to Congress.

SPEAKERS:

Jenna Colvin, President, Georgia Independent College Association

Justin Monk, Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy, NAICU

Federal Student Aid Funding 

Two fiscal years of federal student aid funding will be determined in the first session of the 119^th Congress as it considers final appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and starts the 2026 fiscal year budget process. Hear how funding for Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study and other programs may be affected.

SPEAKERS:

Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU

Robyn Hiestand, Vice President, Bose Public Affairs Group

Hot Topics Session II 

 3:45 - 4:15 p.m.

Department of Education:  Can It Be Abolished?

President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on eliminating the Department of Education.  What would such a policy change entail? Will Congress agree? What will happen to federal student financial aid? Find out the answers to these questions and more about the future of the Department.

SPEAKERS:

Jody Feder, J.D., Director of Accountability and Regulatory Affairs, NAICU

Alex Nock, Principal, Penn Hill Group

What Is Reconciliation and Why Does It Matter?

Budget experts will provide an overview of the congressional budget reconciliation process, including how the new majority may use this tool to reshape federal higher education policy.

SPEAKERS:

Stephanie T. Giesecke, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, NAICU

Robyn Hiestand, Vice President, Bose Public Affairs Group

The Tax Bill - Many Risks, Maybe an Opportunity

What tax benefits important to colleges and universities and the students we serve are at risk of elimination in upcoming tax legislation? While much is at risk, there is also a potential opportunity.

SPEAKERS:

Karin Johns, Director of Tax Policy, NAICU

Dianne Miller, Senior Director, Federal Relations, Cornell University (NY)

Making Government Relations Work For—and On—Your Campus

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

In these turbulent times, advocacy at the federal and state levels is more important than ever. Successful advocacy requires a commitment at the campus level. Learn about the different models independent colleges and universities use to manage their relationships with elected officials.

MODERATOR:

John E. Cech, Ph.D., President, Carroll College (MT)

SPEAKERS:

Rana Altenburg, Associate Vice President of Public Affairs at Marquette University (WI)

Joseph Corazzini, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, Clark University (MA)

Government Relations Academy Reception

5:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Government Relations Academy attendees are invited to a special reception and meet and greet to network with colleagues old and new.  Enjoy a drink and snacks after an afternoon of meetings.

Welcome Reception

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

After a day of travel or the first afternoon of meetings, unwind and network with friends and colleagues, while enjoying an array of delicious food and drink.

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025